In this episode, I’m breaking down the substance of the arguments made by both candidates in the October 11, 2012, vice presidential debate. If you didn’t understand what the heck the candidates were talking about, this is the show to watch.

This episode, I broke down the substance of the arguments made by both candidates in the October 3, 2012, presidential debate. If you didn’t understand what the heck the candidates were talking about, this is the show to listen to.

I took one for the team last night. While waiting for 60 Minutes with President Obama and Governor Romney to start, I felt like the guy waiting for the hot girl that was 45 minutes late.

There was a football delay (at least the Jets and the Texans won) and commercials (geez, they must have shown 30 in a row before 60 Minutes started). But it was worth the wait.

As usual, viewers enjoyed sixty minutes of pure journalistic intensity, this time targeted at our two presidential candidates. Only 60 Minutes could turn Mike Wallace into a sex symbol, and make viewers wait for it like a guy in heat. But it was worth it.

The show was divided into halves, one per candidate. Key issues discussed per half follow below.

Governor Mitt Romney (journalist: Scott Pelley)

On Taxes:

Plans to reduce all tax rates by 20%, and lower the corporate tax rate. Wants to limit deductions and exemptions for high-income earners while removing taxes on investment income for middle-income earners.

I liked the specifics here. But why do an across the board reduction when the country needs revenue to pay down debt? Also, high-income earners can ignore deductions and exemptions and still pay a low tax rate (which Governor Romney did last year). Middle-income earners pay little in investment income tax, so that cut isn’t a big deal.

On Social Programs:

Wants to repeal “Obamacare” as part of reducing government spending. Plans to move government programs such as Medicaid, food stamps, and housing programs to the state level and cap program growth. Believes these changes will save the government $100B per year.

A number of states are having trouble managing their current budgets and programs. In fact, many have used their phone a friend option and asked the government for help. It’s like forcing your child to make their own dinner, but having to step in and help before they burn down the house.

On Social Security and Medicare (specifically):

No changes for current retirees and soon-to-be retirees. Wants to reduce Social Security benefits for higher income earners, and execute other means-testing policies. Also, wants to eliminate non-critical programs.

I agree that higher income earners should have reduced benefits. However, I would be happier if the Governor gave more insight into the means-testing standards. A person could have been rich while paying into Social Security, but broke later on in life and in need of Social Security. I’m talking to you, athletes. I won’t even express the doubt I have about the judgment and compassion of a private equity alum in determining which non-critical programs should be cut.

On Foreign Affairs:

Agreed with portions of the President’s policies. Wants to apply pressure to Egypt – in particular, over protecting US embassies. Plans to take a cost-benefit point of view towards going into battle.

I like his cost-benefit point of view. But some choices won’t be black and white. This is where Romney’s judgment and values come into play. And that is at the heart of why people are uncomfortable with Romney since it’s not clear who he is inside.

President Barack Obama (journalist: Steve Kroft)

On Hope and Change:

Asserted that when he took office, our economy was losing 800K jobs per month. Stated that we have had 30 months of job growth, and sectors rescued.

I’m personally pleased that we have a robust manufactoring sector — a sector where we’re actually making and selling things. The President will be the first to admit that he overpromised the hope and change part. But who could’ve predicted the exent to which the Republicans would oppose everything he did?

On Taxes:

Stated that taxes are lower on middle-income earners than they have been for the last 50 years. Maintained that middle-income earners have an average savings of $3600 per year now. Wants to raise taxes on the wealthy to reduced government debt. Does not want to cut a deal with Republicans to change policies on middle-income earners instead of raising taxes on the wealthy. Policy changes proposed by Republicans include raising student loan rates, asking seniors to pay more for Medicare, and repealing Obamacare.

Middle-income earners should have the President’s poster hanging on their bedroom walls. He should be on the cover of Teen Beat and that AARP magazine. He’s on the side of middle-income earners. However, raising taxes on the wealthy is a great thing to say during a campaign–and I believe that the President wants to do it. But I would be surprised if it actually happened. As a result, I would feel more comfortable if he discussed a plan B should raising taxes on the wealthy get blocked.

On Jobs:

Reminded viewers that his Jobs Act may have provided an extra one million jobs if it didn’t die in Congress.

Inability to bend the Republican Congress and use fiscal policy to improve domestic issues may be the hole in the armor of his presidency. Folks wonder if “Rahmbo” Emanuel would have helped with this dealmaking once the Democrats lost their majority.

On Foreign Affairs:

Questions persist about the next steps with halting Iran’s nuclear program. Iran controls 20% of the world’s oil supply and a key international trade route via the Strait of Hormuz. Plus, tensions in the Middle East have been on the edge since the Arab Spring erupted in 2011. The President does not want light a powder keg and enter into another war in the Middle East to stop Iran’s nuclear program, which contrasts Romney’s apparent inclination.

This episode of 60 Minutes vividly showed the differences between the candidates. It was the kind of appetizer that made you impatient for the main course: the debates.

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About The Wall Street Geek

After turning $1100 into $7015 in the stock market right out of college, the author of "The Wall Street Geek" worked for 15 years on Wall Street. In this investment blog, she gives investment tips and insights to help everyday investors be successful. Read More >>

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